Budapest, 13 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) - The Tisza Party of Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has swept to victory in the country's parliamentary elections, bringing an end to Viktor Orbán's 16 years in power.

With more than 98% of the vote counted, Magyar had more than 53% support compared to about 38% for Orbán's governing Fidesz party, according to preliminary results from the electoral commission.

Orbán earlier conceded defeat, telling supporters in Budapest: "Whatever happens, we will serve the homeland even in opposition."

Orbán congratulated Magyar on his victory in a phone call.

Magyar told supporters who had gathered in Budapest that a "monumental task" lay ahead and urged Orbán, as the departing head of government, not to make any decisions that would preempt the work of his future cabinet.

He said that those who had "defrauded our country" would be held accountable and pledged that Hungary would be a strong ally of the European Union and NATO.

A two-thirds majority will allow Magyar to push through reforms requiring constitutional amendments and replace key officeholders appointed under Orbán, powers that could otherwise be blocked by institutions such as the Constitutional Court.

European leaders congratulate Magyar

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated Magyar immediately after Orbán conceded defeat. "I look forward to working together for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe," Merz wrote on X to Magyar.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her relief, saying: "Hungary has chosen Europe."

"A country returns to its European path," von der Leyen wrote on X. "Europe has always chosen Hungary," she added. "The Union will grow stronger."

Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party, said: "Tonight is the victory of the people of Hungary! They confirm that our centre-right, people-first politics win elections. Substance. Solutions. Unity — not empty slogans and fears."

"Hungary is back at the heart of Europe," he wrote.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for efforts toward a more "sovereign Europe" following the election. "I just spoke with Péter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory in Hungary!," he said on X.

Macron said France welcomed "the victory of democratic participation" and "the Hungarian people's commitment to European Union values."

"Let us move forward together towards a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot commented: "The Hungarian people have decided to put an end to a power that, at the expense of European sovereignty, has gone astray by dismantling the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, spreading disinformation, and colluding with Russia."

Vote seen as most pivotal since 1989-90 transition

The election, seen as Hungary's most significant since the democratic transition of 1989–90, drew record turnout, with almost 80% of eligible voters casting ballots shortly before polls closed.

During his time in office, 62-year-old Orbán has been accused of building a semi-authoritarian system, curbing media and judicial independence, cracking down on LGBTQ rights, steering the country into conflict with the European Union and aligning it more closely with Russia.

He was a celebrity in the eyes of many conservatives in US President Donald Trump's MAGA movement.

Within the EU, he repeatedly used vetoes to block key aid for Ukraine following Russia's invasion, contributing to tensions with Brussels, which froze billions of euros in funds over rule-of-law concerns.

Magyar, a 45-year-old former Fidesz insider who broke with Orbán two years ago, built a broad-based political movement in a short period, positioning himself as an agent of change. He pitched his message relentlessly across the country, reaching beyond his base in major cities to smaller towns and villages.

He campaigned on tackling corruption and mismanagement and pledged to repair Hungary's relations with the EU and its Western allies.

Photo: EPA